The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Rutherford, New South Wales

Camping with pets in Rutherford means wide open paddocks, gum trees, and more than 1,200 pet-friendly options to choose from. You’ll find sites where your dog can roam, showers for a quick wash after muddy walks, and campfires allowed when the season’s right. Most places here back onto bushland or farmland—perfect for wildlife-watching, swimming in creeks, or even a bit of horseback-riding. Prices start at just $12 a night, averaging around $54, so there’s something for every budget. Locals rave about Bunyip's Camp (951 reviews), Fern Valley Ranch (788 reviews), and Wattle Valley Farm (578 reviews) for their relaxed rules, shaded spots, and easy access to water. Bring your four-legged mate, pack the marshmallows, and don’t forget the lead—Rutherford’s got room for all of you.

96% (10.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Camping with pets in Rutherford means wide open paddocks, gum trees, and more than 1,200 pet-friendly options to choose from. You’ll find sites where your dog can roam, showers for a quick wash after muddy walks, and campfires allowed when the season’s right. Most places here back onto bushland or farmland—perfect for wildlife-watching, swimming in creeks, or even a bit of horseback-riding. Prices start at just $12 a night, averaging around $54, so there’s something for every budget. Locals rave about Bunyip's Camp (951 reviews), Fern Valley Ranch (788 reviews), and Wattle Valley Farm (578 reviews) for their relaxed rules, shaded spots, and easy access to water. Bring your four-legged mate, pack the marshmallows, and don’t forget the lead—Rutherford’s got room for all of you.

96% (10.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Domaine De Binet

97%

(147)

16km from Rutherford · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Lovedale, NSW

Nestled in the heart of Australia's renowned Hunter Valley wine region, Binet Wines offers a truly unique and immersive camping experience for those seeking a taste of rustic luxury. This is our Domaine De Binet - Chapel Block property, just seven minutes up the road from our main property - Binet Family Wines - where you'll find our cellar door, and the Front Paddock (also bookable on Hipcamp). Surrounded by lush vineyards and picturesque landscapes, this hidden gem is a haven for Hipcampers seeking tranquility and connection with nature. Wake up to the serenity, and sip your coffee against the backdrop of rolling hills. By night gaze under a canopy of stars, while savouring Binet Family Wines! Whether you are a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a serene escape, Binet Wines invites to you enjoy this one-of-a-kind camping experience.

2. Waves 'n Ripples Anna Bay

99%

(36)

52km from Rutherford · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · Anna Bay, NSW

Location, location! Wotif’s top 10 Aussie Town of the Year Award recipients for 2025 has Stockton Beach (Anna Bay) Port Stephens as the No:1 for a tourist destination. Only a kilometer away from Anna Bay shops, Tavern, restaurants, 4x4 access to Stockton beach and Birubi Beach. Activities include camel rides, horse riding, 4x4 tours, quad biking, sandboarding, golfing including putt putt golf, surfing and surf school, dolphin cruisers and so much more. About 3km from One Mile Beach, Boat Harbor and the remaining beaches are all within 20min of location. All types of vehicles can find a place within Waves 'n Ripples to camp from RV's, cars, 4x4's, AWD's, and camper trailers. We can cater large group bookings with multiple vehicles. 5+ The property has a scenic outlook in every which way with undulations, and a wonderful ridge line separating the North (Waves) & South (Ripples) side of the property. The North ridge only accessible by 4x4's & AWD's currently. There are areas with shaded cover under trees, and wide open spaces for those wanting to soak in the sun and have their own ability to shelter (awnings, tents, gazebos etc.) . Limited spots available to ensure no overcrowding. There is plenty of space & places to walk within property with family or mates and take in the natural beauty while looking out for birdlife, wildlife and star gazing at night along with the very best sunsets on Birubi beach to savor your day. You got 'a love Anna Bay. There is a strict fire ban as designated by NSW State Gov. from September 31st 2024 to March 31st 2025. Gas products are allowed for use. No toilets, running water or power on site. Take with you what you bring including your rubbish in respecting the land and environment. Feel free to send us a message with any questions you may have (including large group bookings that are available) in ensuring your time at Waves 'n Ripples is a memorable one. Regards, Andrew & Family.

3. Peaceful Pond

97%

(71)

48km from Rutherford · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · The Branch, NSW

Peaceful Pond is our 10-acre property in bushland, just 15 minutes from the village of Karuah, NSW. The pond has an island, reached via a floating bridge. Enjoy the tranquility of listening to the abundant birdlife, or swim in the cool, clear water, among the waterlilies. If you prefer more activity you can paddle a kayak or go for a bush walk. There are pushbikes available to ride through the bush tracks to the river, if you feel energetic. You may see wallabies and kangaroos, goannas, and even echidnas. The dark night skies are ablaze with stars for you to enjoy. Tim and Vicki will welcome you with some fresh eggs for your breakfast, and give you access to drinking water from their rainwater tank. We offer several camping sites tucked around the property. All for self-contained campers, with no access to power or running water, so campers must have their own toilet. Fires are permitted in firepits provided when weather and fire ratings allow. Firewood is provided. Pets are welcome, as long as they are on a lead or under close control, to ensure the safety of the wildlife. Relax, unwind, and listen to the sounds of nature.

4. Clifford Park

77km from Rutherford · 1 site · Tent, RV · Denman, NSW

Undulating horse paddocks and open fields, sandy creek, billabong, abundant birdlife, and wildlife at night. Enjoy starry skies in this mountainous area with cliffs and quiet, natural, unspoiled spots at the foot of the mountains, accessible by foot. Sandy creek banks can be crossed in boots unless water levels are high. Drinking water is available from pristine National Park sources.

5. Doorstep to the Vineyards No 1

99%

(318)

23km from Rutherford · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Lower Belford, NSW

Please read all this information: Important please note an adjoining property approximately 1 klm away called Dashville do have a music concert on in April called Gum Ball these dates change each year and also in October this year, before booking please check this site as refund will no longer be given if camping on this property you can see dates on there site www.dashville.com Large campsites in the beautiful Hunter Valley region, with plenty of level, grassed space to park self-contained campers, caravans and motor homes. Pull up beside "the pond" (the dam) on the property, or find yourself a wide-open grassy patch or a shaded corner. Plentiful birdlife, and kangaroos passing through daily! Our local area has a lot to offer including Hunter Valley gardens, beer breweries, wineries, restaurants, clubs, bars, golf course and more. Grocery shops within a 8klms few minutes drive. We're in a very convenient, central location! Campfires are permitted in the designated fire pits when restrictions/bans are not in place. We have firewood available to purchase on-site.

Stories from the community

L

Lachie

5 days ago

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Peaceful Pond

This is a real hidden gem! The pond was beautiful to swim in and a great place to camp next to. Tim was very accommodating and it really made the stay perfect. I will definitely be back soon!

H

Hayden

2 weeks ago

10 m travel trailer

2 nights at Domaine De Binet

Great amenities and lovely hosts. Would recommend to everyone.

jessica

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Doorstep to the Vineyards No 1

Easy to find, close enough to drive into wineries, and amazing privacy. So quiet, with lots of birdsong to enjoy. We saw plenty of roo’s coming through morning and late arvo, and a few horses from the neighbours paddock said hello.

Z

Zico

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

7 nights at Peaceful Pond

Pond is pretty deep and lovely to swim in. Very very nice owners. Would recommend.

Dale

3 weeks ago

7 m pop-up camper

2 nights at Doorstep to the Vineyards No 1

A great base for touring the Hunter, huge sites, Janette was super accommodating. Highly recommended

Sandy

3 weeks ago

8 m travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Doorstep to the Vineyards No 1

Great quiet spot for a couple of nights, plenty of room to set up and Janette was very helpful. Felt like we had the whole place to ourselves - highly recommend staying here.

D

Deborah

3 weeks ago

11 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Domaine De Binet

This was our second stay with the Binet family group, this time we stayed at camp site number one which was situated right next to the open air chapel and we also had our own picnic bench, fire pit, power and water connection. We were in close proximity to the amenities block which is immaculately presented and features separate toilets and one of the best rainfall shower heads you will ever experience! It was a dog friendly site and our fur babies absolutely loved it. Plenty of freshly manicured gardens and fields to explore and it was right next to the vines. There is a superb, newly opened cafe called Flock & Fork on the adjacent Tatler Wines property (about 2min walk from camp), Currently open Thursday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch - it’s very dog friendly and the food is absolutely SCRUMPTIOUS! Our stay was perfectly topped off with a wine tasting experience with the friendly and very knowledgeable staff at the Binet Cellar Door (on site about 1min walk from camp, also dog friendly). They have a generous range of high quality wines to sample and enjoy, the courtyard is picturesque and the wines will not disappoint! Huge thanks to owners Nat and Dan, their lovely family and fur babies for being so warm and welcoming! We cannot fault their hospitality or this location. FIVE STARS 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Nicole

3 weeks ago

10 m pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Waves 'n Ripples Anna Bay

A great property with beautiful old growth trees. Conveniently located, close to shops and surf spots. Lots of camping sites to choose from and plenty of shade. Lots of birdlife also. We will come again. Thanks, Andrew.

L

Lynne

November 2025

11 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Doorstep to the Vineyards No 1

Great comms, easy to find and an absolute pleasure to spend time on this lovely property, which is also close to vineyards well worth your time.

K

Kieran

October 2025

7 m travel trailer

With kids

2 nights at Domaine De Binet

Excellent site, quiet with a great view. Had a power hook up that I hadn’t been expecting. Bathroom with shower was really nice and clean. Natalie was quick to respond.

m

monique

October 2025

8 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Domaine De Binet

Great spot we would come back again. Nice bathrooms and shower too and close to the center of pokolbin

T

Tom

October 2025

3 m pop-up camper

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Waves 'n Ripples Anna Bay

We had an amazing stay at Andrew’s Hipcamp! From the moment we arrived, Andrew was a legend—super accommodating and met us at the gate. We were the only ones on site, so we enjoyed complete privacy and had the freedom to choose a lovely spot. The weather was perfect, the grass was lush and green, and overall, it was an excellent experience. We’ll definitely be back and will highly recommend it to our friends!

S

Steve

October 2025

11 m pop-up camper

3 nights at Doorstep to the Vineyards No 1

Friendly hosts, private but close enough to vineyards. Slight sounds from nearby horse training in the morning but not enough to bother us at all.

S

Saul

October 2025

5 m travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Doorstep to the Vineyards No 1

Janette was welcoming upon our arrival and provided us an opportunity to select our location of preference. The location was perfect for our visit to the Hunter Valley region with picturesque farm life views. My girls loved visiting the race horses next door and it was a really enjoyable stay. Definitely recommend for those visiting the Hunter Valley region.

J

Josephine

October 2025

6 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Domaine De Binet

We have an amazing stay at Binet winery, beautiful setting in the vineyard, lush green grass and blissfully quiet. Dan and Natalie are the perfect host. AND let’s not forget to mention the wine…… the best wine in the Hunter Valley. We will becoming back!!!

S

Sheridan

October 2025

6 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Doorstep to the Vineyards No 1

Beautiful landscape, private,friendly host. Great location and proximity to the vineyards.

S

Steve

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Peaceful Pond

Such a beautiful, secluded spot! The area was so well maintained and you can tell Tim really cares for the land. He was the perfect host, always ensuring we were looked after but also conscious of being overly involved (which he NEVER was by the way). There was so much wildlife to enjoy - we really did have the best time!

George

October 2025

7 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Peaceful Pond

We booked a few nights as a city break from Sydney. Super quiet, lots of wildlife and Tim was really friendly / welcoming. Would recommend this place to stay.

A

Anna

October 2025

12 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Doorstep to the Vineyards No 1

Lovely relaxing space to get away from everything. Janette was a great host.

K

Kristen

October 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Doorstep to the Vineyards No 1

Beautiful land to camp and relax, amazing grassy shaded spots and lovely bird life and nature. Highly recommend for a quiet getaway with campfire and right on the vineyards doorstep!